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When The Call Hits Home

When The Call Hits Home

By: Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW LCSW & Jennifer Woosley LPCC S
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 When The Call Hits Home: A Podcast for First Responders' Children "When The Call Hits Home" is a podcast created for the unique experiences of children raised in first responder families. Hosted by a pair of fellow first responder's children, the show delves into the emotional realities of navigating adolescence and adulthood while carrying the weight of a parent's demanding and often dangerous career. Through open conversations and personal anecdotes, the podcast explores practical tools and techniques for managing emotions, processing difficult situations, and building resilience. It also aims to foster a supportive community where listeners can connect, share their stories, and find strength in shared experiences. This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology
Episodes
  • Breaking the Stigma on First Responder Mental Health, Family, and Healing

    Breaking the Stigma on First Responder Mental Health, Family, and Healing
    Jul 16 2025

    Hosts:

    Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

    Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

    Guest:

    Gary Jarboe, Retired Marine & Police Sergeant

    Episode Overview:

    In this powerful episode, Jennifer and Ashlee sit down with Gary Jarboe, a retired police sergeant and Marine Corps veteran, to discuss mental health in first responder careers and beyond. Gary shares openly about his military background, long law enforcement career, personal challenges, and the journey toward seeking mental health support, even long after retirement.

    The conversation dives deep into breaking the stigma surrounding mental health for first responders, the impact of career stress on family life, and the power of vulnerability. Gary also provides heartfelt advice to younger generations entering public service, emphasizing the importance of not holding back when it comes to getting help.

    Key Topics Covered

    Challenges of Seeking Help: Stigma around mental health for police and veterans; how the culture of “sucking it up” impacted both work and home.

    Impact on Family: The difficulty of sharing traumatic experiences with loved ones; how avoiding vulnerability affected relationships, especially with his wife and children.

    Turning Point: Discovering a first responder-focused mental health program (PCIS) after retirement—Gary’s reflections on finally opening up and how it strengthened his marriage and communication with his family.

    Advice for New First Responders: Don’t wait to get help; keep your “bucket” from overflowing; acknowledge and address mental health needs early.

    Destigmatizing Mental Health: The importance of finding the right provider who understands first responder culture, and why programs tailored for police and veterans are so crucial.

    If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

    Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

    Follow Us:

    - Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

    - Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

    - Whenthecallhitshome.com

    ---

    This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

    The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

    WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

    Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Chief Deputy Justin Miller On Transforming Law Enforcement Mental Health: Culture Change, Officer Wellness, and Redefining Leadership

    Chief Deputy Justin Miller On Transforming Law Enforcement Mental Health: Culture Change, Officer Wellness, and Redefining Leadership
    Jul 2 2025
    Host: Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer Guest: Chief Deputy Justin Miller, Kenosha Sheriff’s Office Episode Overview: In this insightful episode, Ashlee and Jennifer, welcome Chief Deputy Justin Miller from the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. Chief Deputy Miller shares his journey from serving as a Navy psychiatric technician to law enforcement leadership, opening up about how personal experiences and organizational gaps in mental health support shaped his mission to prioritize officer wellness. Key Topics Covered The Struggle for Support: Chief Deputy Miller recounts moments where, due to budget cuts, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and peer support teams were unavailable, leaving officers without organizational resources for mental well-being. Personal Impact: He discusses the life events that first drew his attention to the importance of officer mental health, from the suicide of a significant other to his own family losses, and the organizational culture’s lack of compassion. Culture Shift in Law Enforcement: The conversation delves into the challenges of changing a deeply ingrained “rub dirt on it” mindset, and how being promoted doesn’t always mean having a real voice for change. Innovative Wellness Initiatives: Chief Deputy Miller outlines current strategies in his department. Breaking the Stigma: Chief Deputy Miller explains how officer education, transparency, and leadership modeling are critical for long-term cultural change. Family & Community Impact: The importance of involving officer families in wellness programs—offering access to resources, education, and community-building events. Advice for Leaders & Providers: For law enforcement administrators - Be humble, open to new ideas, prioritize serving your people, and build cultures where feedback leads to actionable change. For mental health professionals - There’s a pressing need for more providers trained to understand first responder culture, as well as resources tailored for both officers and their families. From Struggle to Success: Chief Deputy Miller shares that Kenosha has achieved zero vacancies in both patrol and corrections—a rarity in the current law enforcement climate—and credits a strong, invested culture of wellness and leadership development. Resources Mentioned: Cortico Wellness App Smart Dollar (Ramsey Solutions) The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms! Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms! Follow Us: - Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast - Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome - Whenthecallhitshome.com --- This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Facing a Critical Incident: A First Responder’s Experience During the 1989 Louisville Mass Shooting

    Facing a Critical Incident: A First Responder’s Experience During the 1989 Louisville Mass Shooting
    Jun 18 2025

    Host:

    • Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC – Child of a Cop

    Guest:

    • Jim Woosley: Retired Police Officer

    Episode Overview:

    In this powerful episode, Jennifer sits down with her father, Jim Woosley—her hero and retired police sergeant—to recount and reflect on one of the most significant critical incidents of his career: the 1989 mass shooting at the Louisville Courier Journal building. Through raw storytelling and honest conversation, they explore the emotional realities of first responders, family impact, and how support systems have evolved.

    Key Topics Covered

    • A Day That Changed Everything: Jim recounts the morning when a routine shift quickly escalated into chaos after hearing of a shooting at 6th and Broadway. He shares, in vivid detail, what it was like to be one of the first responders at the scene, managing panic, uncertainty, and the urgent need to save lives.

    • Frontline Decisions & Human Impact: The conversation covers the split-second decisions—like whether to carry a shotgun into close quarters, putting on a bulletproof vest, and ultimately choosing to help transport victims to the hospital using police cars when ambulances were scarce. Jim also shares his emotional connection to one of the survivors, a new mother returning from maternity leave.

    • Aftermath & Community Response: Jennifer and Jim talk about how the Louisville community came together in mourning, the intense media coverage, and the urgent need for better EMS resources in the wake of tragedy.

    • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing: They discuss the rare-for-the-time group debrief for first responders, how it helped change attitudes toward mental health in law enforcement, and the relief felt in not being alone with difficult emotions.

    • Legacy for Families: Jennifer shares her experience as a first grader during the incident, highlighting the unnoticed but profound ways such events affect children. They reflect on the importance of open communication, resilience, and age-appropriate transparency for first responder families.

    If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

    Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

    Follow Us:

    - Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

    - Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

    - Whenthecallhitshome.com

    ---

    This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

    The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

    WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

    Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins

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